When I first started dipping my toes {or fingers!} back into art after a period of several years, I naturally turned to other artists and teachers who I hoped would show me the way.
I took so many classes I can’t even remember them all, but I loved them! Sharing some time and space with like minded people, learning new ways to approach my art, being challenged beyond what felt comfortable at times; all these things enriched my life and my art deeply.
Except, every time I took a class, I’d come away with work that looked very similar indeed to the teacher’s. And that didn’t feel good.
To a degree I think this is inevitable. I also think it’s a natural and even important part of the process. Copying allows us to try out new styles, techniques, marks and colour combinations. It gives us a feel for what’s possible beyond our habitual ways, and so opens a door to greater skill and imagination.
But no one, or at least no one I’ve ever encountered, actually wants to paint exactly like someone else. Apart from issues of integrity and copyright, it’s also because art is a deeply personal form of self expression, and if you’re copying someone else you’re not letting yourself paint like YOU. A huge amount is lost in that, for you and for the rest of us.
The following are just some of things that I have gained in stepping away from ‘painting like the teacher’ and taking the time to explore how I do things:
- confidence
- consistency
- deep satisfaction
- happiness
- clarity of expression
- feeling centred
- knowing myself better
- courage
- an experimental attitude
- a feeling of expansion in myself
- trust in myself
It’s a varied path, littered with ‘failed’ paintings and mess, and paintings that make me cringe now. But without those exact things, and the knowledge that I’ve carved out my own way, rather than stepping in the footprints of someone else’s path, my unique style and gifts would still be hidden away. And perhaps even more crucially, I would still feel a loss in myself.
I do feel more comfortable in myself when I make art now; I have built a stronger relationship with my materials, my ideas and processes that are unique to me, and that shows in my paintings. It’s an ongoing process, of course.
I suspect that, like me, you relish learning, and that’s why, also like me, you may already have quite a few courses under your belt at this point, and plans to take more! The learning never stops, but I do believe there’s a way to dive more deeply into your own style even when learning from someone else.
I want that for you, because all those benefits I just mentioned {and more}, although developed at the easel, will spill over into the rest of your life, and no one can teach you about how good that feels.
What one step could you take today towards digging out your unique painting style? I’d love to know what this would look like for you!
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If this is a subject that rings true for you, you might like to check out Abstractify, a course about finding ways – using approaches and techniques I’ve experimented with myself, with exciting and satisfying results – to uncover what painting like you really means for you. You can find out more by clicking the image on the left, and because it’s instant access, you can enroll today!
Hi Tara, I don’t tweet, or have a blog so I can’t share this upcoming class, but I wanted to say I am looking forward to doing this course when it begins. I feel the same way about learning from artists about their process, which is what draws us to their work, but it is not satisfying to paint like someone else in the end. I can’t wait for March!
shared on my facebook page ! Thanks Tara !
Hi Tara
really looking forward to this course. Have shared on twitter and fb.
x
Hi Tara, I’ve shared on my timeline on Facebook. its going to be a fun class.
As someone slightly addicted to online courses… and books too, I can totally get what you’re saying. Would love a chance to win a spot on your course and I shared on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=737301676366796&id=260970233999945
Hi Tara! Shared the course on my timeline on fb–thanks for the opportunity to win a space in the course!
yay! cant wait. Shared on Pinterest and facebook
Hi Tara I have shared your course on my fb page.
‘Style’ is something I think about a lot, but what I’ve found is that by learning from lots of different artists I can pick techniques and start to blend them together creating my own style. Occasionally I do a painting and think, “oh, that reminds me of such and such artist” and I feel a sense of shame in that, but I know one day I’ll have a style all of my own.
I am always looking to learn new painting techniques so a place on your course would be wonderful for me!
Tweeted and shared on Facebook! *Crossing Fingers*!!!
Hi Tara – I’ve shared on my twitter account!
I shared on fb. Sounds fun
Hi Tara, I have pinned you on my Pinterest page twice. Abstractify sounds absolutely great.
I shared on facebook 🙂
Shared on pinterest! I would love to take your class! Thanks! 🙂
Shared on instagram!
This course sounds so good. I’m a beginner and am struggling to find my style!
This is exactly the kind of thing I want to focus on this year! The class sounds wonderful! I will share on Pinterest.
I’ve posted on my Facebook page- would love to take your course!
Helloo Tara,
As you can imagine, I posted your blog post on fb 🙂 march is on the countdown list 🙂 Best wishes
hi! looks like a fun course. i shared your link on my FB page 🙂
Shared on my FB! Happy painting!
shared on facebook
Hi Tara!
I found out about your class and give-away on Pinterest and I’ve repinned it to my own ‘Abstracts’ board on Pinterest 🙂
It would be lovely to win a spot in your class! I’ve been into abstract art a lot lately, actually taking the class with Karine Swenson, the one you did last year too.
I’m off to do some more exploring on your blog! I’ve already found a bunch of interesting posts to read 🙂
Shared on Facebook and Twitter
Shared on twitter. Thanks! Looking forward to this course anyway 🙂
I shared this on my Facebook page. I really like the idea of a class teaching how to find your own painting style. That is something I would really enjoy exploring in a class setting. Thank you!
Hi Tara,
I’m trying to find my way about learning to paint and draw, I get so angry at myself because I don’t think I can ever learn to paint or draw. I will share on Facebook !
Hi Tara. I posted thia on pintrest. Thank you!
I’m really looking forward to discovering my style!
Pinned onto my wish list on Pinterest with everything crossed!
Shared your link on face book. Would love a chance to win a place on your course.
Pinned! Hurray!
This course sounds fantastic Tara!! I shared it on my FB art page! Yay!!
xoE
Sounds like an awesome course 🙂 Shared on pinterest 😀
shared & commented 🙂 on fb
I’ve pinned you to my Artsy Inspiration board on Pinterest. Crossing my fingers. Finding my style is something I’ve wanted for a long time but it’s hard when trying to mimic what someone else is doing. I’d love to take a class that lets me explore my own style rather than only do what the teacher is doing. ☺️
Pinned! Oh Tara, Thanks for this opportunity. I keep my fingers crossed!
I am so happy to have found your blog! I completely relate to the struggles you speak of….and have felt alone in this struggle. Your thoughts are very encouraging.
Vicky that is the best news! Encouragement is my middle name, kind of. 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped by, and welcome!